The Biggest Name In Portable Hi-Fi Just Flipped the Script on the Category

For the last decade, Astell&Kern has been arguably the biggest name in portable hi-fi — its gorgeous yet expensive lines of digital audio players (or DAPs) are the envy of many on-the-go audiophiles.

This week, the Korean hi-fi manufacturer has revealed its newest DAP, the PS10. And while it isn’t the brand’s most high-end model, it does have a unique design that blends portable and home hi-fi.

Astell&Kern PS10

Astell&Kern

A portable and home hi-fi player

The most unique thing about Astell&Kern’s PS10 is that it comes with a new docking cradle, which effectively allows the DAP to double as a high-resolution network streamer.

This 2-in-1 design means you can use the PS10 as a traditional DAP on the road or as the hub of a larger hi-fi system at home. The docking cradle has XLR balanced outputs on the back, which you can connect to powered speakers or your home’s two-channel hi-fi system.

When connected to a home audio system and used as a wireless network streamer, the PS10 supports audio up to 32-bit, 768kHz, and DSD512. It serves as a certified Roon Ready endpoint, too.

Additionally, the PS10 supports Bluetooth along with high-resolution codecs such as aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC. This allows you to stream high-res audio to wireless headphones that support it. You can also use the PS10 as a Bluetooth DAC and stream audio from an external source (like your smartphone) to your home’s hi-fi system.

Astell&Kern

Stainless steel and glass

The PS10 is a high-quality portable hi-fi player featuring the same HEXA audio circuit design first developed for the company’s flagship SP3000 player. It also features four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals.

The PS10 promises to support a wide-range of headphones. It uses two distinct amplifiers, each supporting normal and high gain modes, allowing you to fine-tune settings so that your headphones or IEMs sound best.

If you’re a burgeoning audiophile and that sounds intimidating, the PS10 also has a “Smart Gain” feature that detects the impedance of the connected headphones and then automatically adjusts audio settings.

The PS10 has a stainless steel and glass design and a 6-inch touchscreen display. Notably, it’s Astell&Kern’s first DAP without a side volume wheel. The company replaced it with side button playback controls to create “a clean and minimalist look.”

Astell&Kern

Price and availability

According to Astell&Kern, the PS10 will make its global debut at at CanJam Singapore this coming weekend. It will cost $2,500 — and yes, that includes the docking cradle — and will be available this coming May.

Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern PS10

• $2,500 at Astell&Kern

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